Jeftomson Logistics fined $40,000 for unsafe workplace during construction

A fruit growing and packing company has pleaded guilty to occupational health and safety charges after a man fell through a platform at its Mooroopna site.

An apple and pear growing and packing company based in Greater Shepparton has been fined for two instances of failing to ensure a safe workplace.

A Shepparton fruit company has copped a major fine after a man fell through the floor of a fixed platform at its packing facility in Mooroopna.

SPC Ardmona vegetable and fruit cannery appeared at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, pleading guilty to charges of failing to ensure the workplace was safe and without risks to health.

The charges related to an incident where the floor gave way underneath a contractor who fell about 3.7m into a skip bin.

The worker broke the heel of his right foot, requiring screws and plates to repair it.

At the time the contractor had been engaged by Jeftomson Logistics — which had taken over the site from SPC Ardmona — to refurbish the facility.

Jeftomson Logistics took over the former SPC Ardmona vegetable and started construction to update the facility located in Young St, Mooroopna.

The court heard the proper flooring for the platform was on order so a temporary floor had been used which had been exposed to moisture and later found by WorkSafe officers to be inappropriate.

In his victim impact statement the man, who was in his early 50s, said he was fit and healthy prior to the injury but now had to take at least eight painkillers a day.

He said he experienced continual discomfort and did not have full flexibility in his foot and ankle.

The man indicated it had restricted his leisure activities including fishing, motorbike riding and golfing and that he would not work in the trade he loved until retirement age.

He also said the injury had a “tremendous impact financially”.

The second charge related to a lack of edge protection on three sides of the roof where works were being conducted.

This meant there was a risk someone could fall from a height greater than 2m and it was reasonable practice for the company to have reduced that risk.

Defence lawyer Robert O’Neil said the company apologised for its role in the contractor's injury.

Directors from Jeftomson Logistics appeared in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

He said the correct flooring had been delayed due to Covid impacts, as had the ability for the Occupational Health and Safety officer to be on site full time.

Since the incident the company, including the Mooroopna site, was sold.

Mr O’Neil said the directors of the company did set money aside to cover the penalties of the charges.

He said there wasn’t a good enough explanation for why there were no barriers on the roof.

Magistrate Simon Zebrowski said they were both serious offences.

“We’re talking about a rooftop six metres high with multiple people going to the roof, the potential for disaster is extraordinary,” he said.

Mr Zebrowski said he considered the genuine remorse of the company, early plea, its ”excellent" history, and the strong contributions it made to the Greater Shepparton community through donations, philanthropy and donations.

He fined the company $40,000 without conviction.